Strengthening global partnerships. Inspiring the next generation. Advancing food science innovation.

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) was privileged to host two distinguished professors from University College Dublin (UCD) under the Erasmus+ Staff Exchange Programme, further deepening the longstanding partnership between the two institutions in research, teaching, capacity building and academic mobility.

 

Led by Prof. Niamh Harbourne, the visiting professors paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of MUST, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, who reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that advance academic excellence, research and innovation.

 

A key highlight of the visit was an engaging presentation by Prof. James Lyng to Food Science students on the status and emerging trends in novel food processing technologies. The timely and thought-provoking presentation exposed students to the rapidly evolving landscape of food processing and the exciting opportunities emerging at the intersection of science, technology and industry.

The session went beyond the classroom, providing students and faculty with valuable perspectives on how research generates knowledge, scholarly publications disseminate that knowledge, and innovation translates scientific discoveries into technologies and products with real-world impact.

Reflecting on the achievements of the MUST–UCD collaboration, the MUST-UCD Erasmus+ Exchange Coordinator, Prof. Joshua Arimi, highlighted the significant progress made through the partnership, including seven postgraduate student mobilities, ten staff mobilities, as well as several scientific publications and conference presentations arising from the collaboration.

The interaction between the visiting professors, students and faculty demonstrated the transformative power of international academic engagement. It created an inspiring platform for sharing knowledge, challenging ideas and connecting cutting-edge research with real-world challenges facing the food industry.

For students, such engagements provide more than academic knowledge—they open windows to the global research community, broaden perspectives and inspire them to envision themselves as scientists, innovators and leaders capable of developing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing food-system challenges.

The continued MUST–UCD partnership stands as a strong example of how international academic collaboration can build capacity, nurture talent, accelerate knowledge exchange and create opportunities for transformative research and innovation.

MUST remains committed to building strategic global partnerships that empower its students and staff, strengthen research excellence, and contribute to innovative and sustainable food systems for Kenya, Africa and the world.